Fantasy Football News 12/05/06

[Hache Man]

Waiver Wired: Week 14
Lovie Smith inherited one of the NFL's worst franchises. The losing stench of every un-Ditka who tried and failed to win in Chicago the previous twelve seasons permeated the entire organization. It's a vast understatement to say that Smith has adjusted expectations dramatically in less than three seasons.

Now a Bears NFC North Championship in Week 13 is greeted with teeth gnashing. The most dominant defense and special teams combination in recent memory is taken for granted. And it's all because one man simply can't stop throwing the ball to the other team.

Smith is steadfast in his support of Rex Grossman. Smith's primary defense of "Our quarterback" is Chicago's 10-2 record under Grossman. The argument would make a lot more sense if Lovie didn't yank Kyle Orton in Week 15 of last season after winning nine of his last ten starts. If nothing else, Chicago's last two seasons hopefully have helped convince football fans that a quarterback shouldn't be judged solely on wins and losses.

Smith is loyal, but he's far from stupid. He watches Brian Griese in practice every day. He knows Griese hasn't played in regular season game since tearing his ACL last year. He knows the hollow feeling that can follow making an unsuccessful quarterback change this late in the season. Just ask Denver.

Griese is nothing more than an expensive insurance policy, only to be used in case of emergency. A three interception game by Grossman against the Rams this week would qualify.

Quarterbacks

Brian Griese, Bears- Griese doesn't really fit Ron Turner's offense. He's a high percentage, low-risk West Coast offense specialist. He's not going to stretch the field with Mark Bradley and Berrian Berrian. Ron Jaworksi pointed out on NFL Matchup that Turner could help Grossman out by adding more high percentage throws to the offense, but it hasn't happened yet. The Bears have an easy schedule remaining, so Griese could probably put up workmanlike QB2 numbers if he got in the lineup.

Recommendation:Worth a look in 2-QB leagues

Derek Anderson, Browns - If I was forced to rank backup quarterbacks going into this season, Anderson would been No. 32. He was a sixth-round pick in 2005 by the Ravens out of Oregon State who couldn't survive on a team led by Kyle Boller and Anthony Wright. A lot of draft observers were surprised Anderson was taken at all. The M.O. on the big righty was that he had a huge arm, but virtually no decision-making skills. The 6'6, 245-pounder seemed like a classic project after the Browns claimed off his waivers last season.

All that backstory made Anderson's stirring comeback in place of Charlie Frye more surprising. Anderson has the size of Byron Leftwich and Drew Bledsoe, but they haven't broken many 33-yard rushes to win games. There are some major areas of concern for Anderson, though. He completed only two passes to his wideouts for a total of 21 yards. Anderson also faces a very difficult schedule the next two weeks against the Steelers and Ravens. The Browns are playing coy with Charlie Frye's status, but Anderson looks likely to get the call. We wouldn't touch him in redraft leagues, unless you start two quarterbacks.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 2-QB leagues

Brooks Bollinger, Vikings - It's a bad sign for the Vikings that their best option at quarterback was traded by the Jets in the preseason. Brad Childress would start Bollinger this week if he could, but Bollinger hurt his shoulder when he replaced Brad Johnson against Chicago. His status is uncertain. Rookie Tarvaris Jackson has tools, but admits he's nowhere near ready. Bollinger could be a 2QB sleeper if he get healthy, if only because Minnesota faces blank the Lions this week and the Packers in Week 16. He played capably for the Jets down the stretch last season.

Recommendation:Worth picking up in deep leagues

Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings - Then again, maybe Childress believes in Jackson as his quarterback of the future and wants the kid to take his lumps. Childress traded up to draft Jackson when most 'draftniks' thought he wouldn't be selected until the second day. Jackson is one of our very favorite dynasty sleepers, if only because he runs and he's Mike Mayock-approved.

Recommendation:Worth picking up in dynasty leagues

Jim Sorgi, Colts - Indy's loss at Tennessee means the Colts are much less likely to clinch homefield advantage a week or two early. It could still happen, though, if Indianapolis gets past Jacksonville this week and San Diego slips up this month. Manning owners may as well get prepared for Sorgi-mania if they have the roster room.

Recommendation:Worth a look for Manning owners

Running Backs

Maurice hicks, 49ers - Frank Gore is going to struggle to make it through all 16 games. If he gets hurt, Hicks looks likely to start for the 49ers, with Michael Robinson helping out in short-yardage situations.

Recommendation: Worth picking up for Gore owners

Ciatrick Fason, Vikings- It was surprising to see Fason rush 11 times for 75 yards against Chicago, if only because he was in Brad Childress' doghouse so recently. Fason was inactive as recently as Week 10, sitting on the bench in favor of Artose Pinner. He has a nice size and strength combination, but dances too much for a power runner. That showed up when Fason took a safety against the Bears despite his great day.

Recommendation:Worth owning in 12-team leagues

Mewelde Moore, Vikings - The change in coaching staff in Minnesota hasn't changed Mewelde Moore's role. Brad Childress, like Mike Tice before him, just can't envision MeMo as an every-down back despite his 4.8 career yards-per-carry average. Conference USA's all-time rushing and all-purpose yardage later is having another solid year catching passes, but it was Ciatrick Fason that got the majority of carries when Chester Taylor left Sunday's game against Chicago.

Moore has over 50 receiving yards in three of his last six games, so he has some points-per-reception value if Taylor misses any gametime. But as long as Fason is splitting time, Moore is only RB5 depth in fantasy leagues. As much as it pains this Tulane alum to say so.

Recommendation:Worth picking up in deep leagues


Ron Dayne, Texans - Finally! Dayne exploded for 100 total yards on 18 carries and a catch against Oakland. Wali Lundy, however, is likely to remain the starter and the Houston running game is too inconsistent to rely on based on one good outing. Dayne is over his turf toe and is worth picking up as quality depth. If the next two weeks go well, he could be a flex option against the Colts in Week 16.

Recommendation:Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Cedric Houston, Jets - A long-time favorite of Waiver Wired comes through. Houston has been featured the last two weeks, and was our top pickup last week. We wouldn't repeat the information, but Houston's role is well defined with Kevan Barlow out of the mix. Don't worry about Eric Mangini shuffling the running back deck again. He's just been looking for the right combination, and now I believe he will find it. Leon Washington will play more on passing downs, but Houston is likely to get the goal-line work and the majority of carries when New York gets a lead.

He should be owned in all leagues and is a good option to use this week against glash. Just don't expect the run to continue in Weeks 15 and 16, when the Jets faces the Vikings and Dolphins

Recommendation:Should be owned in all leagues

Reuben Droughns, Browns - Romeo Crennel threw us a curveball last week by starting Droughns against the Chiefs. He wound up splitting carries with Jason Wright and is unlikely to post any fantasy starter stats under that arrangement. But if an owner dropped Droughns and you are looking for depth, he's worth a look.

Recommendation:Should be owned in all leagues

Kevin Faulk, Patriots - You probably aren't in the playoffs if you have the room to pick up Kevin Faulk, much less start. But bear with me. If Laurence Maroney should miss any time, there are worse options than Faulk in points per-reception leagues. Faulk has 14 catches for 96 yards the last two weeks.

Recommendation:Worth a look in PPR leagues.

Marcel Shipp, Cardinals - Just kidding. He has ten carries all season, nothing to see here. The Cardinals don't face a decent rush defense the rest of the season, so Edgerrin James' mini-revival could continue.

Recommendation:Umm, no.

Wide Receivers

Matt Jones, Jaguars - I've watched Jones' best two games of the season, against Dallas in Week 2 and this Sunday against Miami. For stretches of each game, Jones took over like a young Terrell Owens or present-day Andre Johnson. He's so fluid, explosive and strong; it's hard to understand why the kid doesn't dominate more often.

Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio told the CBS crew before Week 13 that Jones was going to have a huge day, so knew that Jones is A) fully healthy at last and B) a big part of the game plan. Jacksonville has a difficult schedule in the fantasy playoffs, starting against Indianapolis, but Jones is worth picking up for depth in all leagues.

Recommendation:Should be owned in all leagues

Wes Welker, Dolphins - One of the NFL's most consistent, if consistently unexciting receivers, faces a New England defense that struggles to contain third receivers. Wes caught nine passes for 77 yards the first time these two teams played, so I'm going back to the Welker one last time. I'll be here all week.

Recommendation:Worth owning in 12-team leagues

Josh McCown, Lions - Okay, so McCown isn't really a waiver option this week. I just wanted to list him to point out two things. 1. McCown wouldn't be playing 15+ play snaps (with three targets) if he had a chance to replace Jon Kitna anytime soon. 2. Despite all the positive press recently about Mike Williams, the Lions trust Josh McCown at receiver more than their first round draft pick last season.

Recommendation: Better than Luke

Vincent Jackson, Chargers - Keenan McCardell is questionable to play this week, so Jackson could get the start against Denver this week. His size could present problems for Denver's smallish cornerbacks.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep leagues

Brandon Stokley, Colts - Stokley is always an inconsistent option, but he's healthy again and faces Cincinnati and Houston in Week 15 and 16. On the off chance Indianapolis clinches home field advantage early, Stokley could get extended playing time in Week 17.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep leagues

Santonio Holmes & Nate Washington, Steelers - Holmes was quiet last week, but he should get more snaps this week with Cedrick Wilson injured and Hines Ward likely out. The Browns secondary has fallen apart the last three weeks, giving up more fantasy points than any team.

Recommendation:Worth owning in 12-team leagues

[Hache Man]

A Glimpse of 2007

Those of us who have been eliminated from contention for the fantasy playoffs can never start thinking about next season too soon, and Monday brought about some news that we can use for 2007.

We'll start in Detroit, where Lions coach Rod Marinelli said yesterday that he's counting on Jon Kitna to be his starting quarterback next year. Kitna will turn 35 just a few weeks after next season begins, but has already been able to pass for more than 3,000 yards in 2006 while dealing with protection issues, and there isn't a promising, young player waiting behind him. Marinelli and offensive coordinator Mike Martz have taken to using backup QB Josh McCown at wide receiver, and it seems that his future with Detroit may be at that position, so Kitna's job should be safe unless the Lions spend a high draft pick on a replacement or pursue a player like restricted-free-agent-to-be Matt Schaub. That should allow owners to draft Roy Williams and Kevin Jones with confidence when next July rolls around.

In Green Bay, coach Mike McCarthy has indicated that Ahman Green, who will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, may stay with the organization in 2007. Green has had an average season for the Packers, and we have to assume that he wouldn't be headed for a career year at the age of 30 with either 37-year-old Brett Favre or inexperienced Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. If Green moves on, however, Vernand Morency could become a high-rising name. The Packers may be in position to nab an elite running back in the draft, but Morency, a shifty second-year player who was traded by the Texans earlier this year, could become a nice mid-round pick if he were to become the undisputed starter. Green would likely garner interest from other teams if he were to hit the market, but his value clearly depends on where he would land.

Lastly, Redskins coach Joe Gibbs has said that re-signing Ladell Betts will be a priority when the year comes to a close. Like Green, Betts may move elsewhere, and a job of his own could turn him into a respectable RB2 or 3. Gibbs feels that Betts and Clinton Portis can coexist in Washington, but it's hard to imagine Betts doing much more than occasionally spelling Portis if that scenario plays out.

Two days after unleashing a load of criticism on a few unnamed teammates, Marc Bulger will undergo an MRI test on his ribs to make sure that a break or ligament damage is not present. The results should be known soon, but his comments downplayed the injury: "It's just for peace of mind." Bulger has been a very nice fantasy option to this point, but an impending match-up with the Chicago Bears should dissuade many owners from using him in Week 14.

Speaking of injured ribs, the Vikings have announced that those of Chester Taylor are merely bruised. He's currently considered day-to-day, but the team will re-evaluate him on Wednesday. The injury forced him out of his contest with the Bears over the weekend, and backup Ciatrick Fason handled most of the rushing duties in his absence. It sounds as though Taylor could be back for his game with the Lions, but Fason, a slightly more powerful option, may receive carries in short-yardage situations to lessen the risk of re-injury.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak said that sixth-round pick Wali Lundy will remain the team's starter at running back, which is rather misleading; he also stated that Ron Dayne should have received 40 carries against the Raiders. Lundy did score the team's only offensive touchdown on Sunday – a three-yard run that came after Jerome Mathis' fantastic 87-yard kick return – but received half as many carries as Dayne. Expect the two to continue sharing the workload without either offering considerable value.

ESPN's Ed Werder reported that DeShaun Foster was inactive last night against the Eagles because his hyperextended elbow makes it nearly impossible for him to block. There is no timetable set for his return. Rookie RB DeAngelo Williams, meanwhile, wasn't very effective early against Philadelphia, but turned around his night when he squirmed through a few members of the Eagles secondary and scored on a 35-yard screen pass. Williams should remain a usable RB2 as long as Foster sits.

In that very Monday night affair, Jeff Garcia proved that he's still capable of being an effective NFL quarterback. The deep passing game was present for the first time with Garcia behind center, and he looked substantially more comfortable with the Eagles offense. As a result, Donté Stallworth and Reggie Brown came out of hibernation. Tight end L.J. Smith failed to record a catch, but it seems that the Philadelphia receivers may just pull a Lazarus over the final four weeks of the season.

Two-Minute Drill: Cowboys coach Bill Parcells has said that Marion Barber, who has been wildly successful in part-time duties this year, will remain the backup to Julius Jones. … Despite saying that Cedric Benson's performance in Week 13 was his best of the season, Bears coach Lovie Smith was not ready to commit to giving him more playing time. … Vikings rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson quizzically admitted after Sunday's game that he isn't ready to start. … Misdemeanor chargers of assault and domestic violence against Steelers rookie WR Santonio Holmes have been dropped. … Speaking of being dropped, Duce Staley is out of Pittsburgh. … On Monday, Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden backed off hints of a quarterback change that he made just the day before. … Gibbs announced yesterday that he plans to return to the Redskins in 2007.

Red Zone: Reggie Bush "tweaked" his shoulder on his fourth touchdown against the 49ers, but later returned for a carry that was ultimately negated by penalty. … Santana Moss says that his hamstring is 100 percent. … Tatum Bell had the wind knocked out of him on Sunday night. … T.J. Houshmandzadeh missed practice on Monday with what are considered to be minor aches and pains. … Ronnie Brown, though not expected to play until at least Week 15, will be evaluated today for a progress report on his surgically repaired left hand. … Packers offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski believes that Greg Jennings is still being bothered by his ankle injury. … Steelers coach Bill Cowher is not optimistic about the availabilities of Hines Ward (knee) and Troy Polamalu (knee) for Thursday's game. … Doctors fear that Charlie Frye, whose wrist has caused him a major amount of pain, may have broken bones that have not shown up on X-rays. … Joe Horn's injury situation won't be updated until Wednesday.

Bills WLB Angelo Crowell is out for the remainder of the season due to a fractured left leg. … The MRI test taken on Al Wilson's neck was negative. … John Abraham again aggravated his abdominal injury while playing the Redskins. … Patriots safety Eugene Wilson (hamstring) has been placed on injured reserve. … Michael Clayton underwent an MRI test Monday after spraining his knee in Week 13. … LenDale White (hip flexor) will be listed as questionable for this week. … Packers RB Noah Herron apparently suffered a minor ankle sprain on Sunday but is expected to play against the 49ers. … The Chiefs placed RT Kevin Sampson (back surgery) on injured reserve.

[Hache Man]

	Bucs place Michael Clayton on injured reserve
	Michael Clayton - WR - TB - Dec. 5 - 3:00 p.m. ET
	Bucs placed WR Michael Clayton on injured reserve, ending his season. Clayton's disappointing third year concludes after 33 catches, 356 yards, one score, and numerous drops. While Clayton will not require surgery on his sprained MCL, he has a long way to go to regain his status as fixture in the Bucs organization. Clayton's best chance to rebound will be if Jon Gruden remains in Tampa. Maurice Stovall will get a chance to impress in Clayton's flanker spot down the stretch.Dec. 5 - 3:00 p.m. ET

[Hache Man]

	Lundy to remain Texans' starter
	Wali Lundy - RB - HOU - Dec. 5 - 1:21 a.m. ET
	Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said in his Monday press conference that Wali Lundy will remain the team's starting running back. Ron Dayne's role will be significant after Sunday's 95-yard performance, however, and we wouldn't count on more than 15-18 touches-per-game from either down the stretch. Rookie Chris Taylor is also expected to get carries in the last few games, clouding the situation even further.Dec. 5 - 1:21 a.m. ET Source: houstontexans.com